The Grade-II listed Martello Tower 25, built as part of a chain of 103 towers to defend against invading Napoleonic forces, has gone on sale in Dymchurch, Kent, and is likely to fetch £55,000 at auction.
The tower is located in the centre of the 180-space pay-and-display Martello Car Park, and given the tower’s lack of plumbing and the 8 disabled bays which are located directly against the tower, it may not be as appealing as it first appears.
The tower has nevertheless been billed as a dream house with amazing coastal views stretching from the rooftop of the 30ft high building.
The property has been described as “suitable for conversion” provided that the buyer is able to obtain suitable planning permission, and Clive Emson Auctioneers have already started inviting prospective buyers to view the property prior to the auction in October.
Auctioneer Kevin Gilbert commented on the property: “There is no greater pleasure than selling a property in need of improvement, renovation and refurbishment and then watching over the following months – or years in some cases – as the work commences and transformation takes place.”
He stressed that properties such as this in their unconverted condition are incredibly rare and offer “an almost unique opportunity” for people who are interested in a challenge.
The towers, which were built in the early part of the 19th century, and which stretch hundreds of miles along the coast from Seaford, Sussex to Aldeburgh Suffolk, were constructed to defend against French invasions, but have more recently been used by coastguards to help in the fight against smuggling.
They feature 6-feet thick walls and have cannons mounted on top to allow for 360-degree artillery defence, which were fortunately never tested.
The tower will be sold at public auction in Detling, Kent, on October 30, with a guide price of £50,000 to £55,000.